McCaw has struggled with injuries over the past 12 months and missed the majority of the 2011 Super Rugby season. And after the All Blacks' victories World Cup campaign, McCaw underwent an operation to remove original screws in his foot only to have new ones inserted.

But with the Crusaders currently training in South Africa ahead of their clash with the Bulls on Saturday, McCaw is back in New Zealand readying himself for a return later this month.

Blackadder told Fairfax Media: "He had the two small screws taken out, everything went really well and he is making good progress. We are not sure exactly when he will be ready to play for us but it could be for the Stormers match or against the Hurricanes the following week.

"It is just really good news for him that everything is on target and there were no problems."